This article describes reaction to the surrender of Fort Sumter to Confederate forces: "The people were pleased to know that Major Anderson had been compelled to haul down the stars and stripes of the Abolition government, and that in their place...

This article offers a defense of Southern secession and blames the Lincoln and the North for starting the war: "We have asked but our rights. We simply desired to be left alone, to conduct our own government free from abolition meddlesomeness....

The first item is a letter from Senator Buford, in which he discusses sectional division over the issues of territorial expansion and slavery; he suggests a convention of the Southern states to address the "impending results of the northern...

The letter gives details about family members, the education of the Haynes children, and economic difficulties. The writers also discuss views on slavery: "Your intimations in your last letter relative to your ever saying anything to me or us, upon...

From July 1862 to November 1863, Crenshaw Hall was adjutant of the 2nd Battalion, Hilliard's Legion. In the letter he argues in favor of conscript laws because "between 16 and 18 the state of Ala alone might recruit a force of at least 15,000...

In the letter Samuel expresses relief that his brother is safe and healthy after his service in the Confederate Navy. He then discusses his own changing views of "our civil war": "My own course has been a neutral one. I was opposed to the secession...

2009-10-16

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